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Frosted tips.

Need we say more? And yet, we must.

For starters, here's hoping that male readers with highlighted spikes of overgelled hair are a minority. Because no matter how hard you try to substantiate it as stylish, this look does not work for the office. Correction: It doesn't work at all.

Men should make a little effort with their hair, but too much effort can compromise their credibility. High-maintenance males are likely more concerned with mirrors than mutual funds.

In short, the best hair cuts are the ones that are least noticed. If you are a young rock star, it may be practically a prerequisite to be unkempt. For everyone else, especially those who work in professional environs, clean hair goes without saying.

But it's not enough. Damon Allan, whose Alexander Steel Image Consulting serves clients across Southern Ontario, says that sideburns and the hairline extending across the back of the neck should always be kept neatly trimmed as well.

"Men have to recognize who they are and how their hair grows," Mr. Allan says. "Some of us have hairy chests and hairy backs, and it doesn't stop there."

I realize that when men reach a certain age, they're more concerned about hair loss than hairstyle.

Hair is another sign of virility, and in the Viagra age, bedroom discussion is bound to creep into the boardroom.

This, however, is not an excuse to rush out and get a cut that makes you look 10 years younger, or a dye job that masks grey hair.

In fact, Marilisa, a stylist with Marc Anthony salon in Toronto, says that younger men should try to tone down an edgy mop. "In corporate land, intelligence and age are still connected, so you want to pretend that you look a little older."

This does not mean a comb-over. Marilisa, who has coiffed many visiting performers including Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails, suggests that a "faux hawk without product" (that is, when hair is left slightly longer but not spiky across the top of the head) "looks really passable as an average man's cut." Adding some product creates a stylish alternative for weekends.

Francesco Fontana owns a namesake studio in Yorkville, ground zero for all things fashionable in Toronto, and voices his follicular opinions on the W Network's Style by Jury. He says that a textured hairstyle complements slim suits while a classic haircut befits those who wear Canali. But ultimately, confidence trumps cut. Which means if a guy feels good with longer hair, Mr. Fontana obliges.

The most popular product purchased by men (which Mr. Fontana says represent 35 per cent of his clients, most of whom work in finance or law) is KMS moulding paste. Unlike gels and mousse, it does not leave a shiny finish, he says, but offers good control.

As for colour, Mr. Fontana says he generally avoids it for men. Marilisa agrees. "If you're planning to climb the corporate ladder, you don't want the guy ahead of you looking down and seeing highlights."

Some tips are worth holding on to.

averner@globeandmail.com